McQuilkin to leave Leinster

Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen has this morning confirmed that Leinster defence coach Kurt McQuilkin will be leaving Leinster ahead of the start of the new season to return home to New Zealand for personal reasons.

Commenting on the news Cullen said: "This is very sad news for Kurt and his family and our priority is supporting him in his decision as best we can.

"He will be with us for a few more weeks but after that he will head back home with our very best wishes in very trying circumstances and with the thanks of everyone at Leinster Rugby for his stellar contribution over the last 12 months."

McQuilkin is a former Leinster player and captain and was also defence coach under Michael Cheika as part of the backroom team that brought a first ever Heineken Cup to the province in 2009.